Cwt y Bugail Quarry (McAlpine) (formerly Manod Quarry) (whereabouts unconfirmed) - The Locations Guide to Doctor Who, Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures

Last Alteration: Monday 19 November 2007

Cwt y Bugail Quarry (McAlpine)

» The Five Doctors

GPS Coordinates

-03°53'24", 52°59'32"

Google Earth

Location Point

Ordnance Survey

SH732455

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Cwt y Bugail Quarry (McAlpine)
Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd

Formerly known as Manod Quarry

(whereabouts of filming unconfirmed)

Manod (once known as Bwlch y Slaters) is a slate quarry started in the 19th Century, and was connected to the Rhiwbach Tramway. During the Second World War, the underground chambers of the quarry were used to store national treasures.

McAlpine, who acquired and renamed the site since 2001, is the largest slate company in the world; however, in September 2007 the quarry at Manod was closed.

How to get here:

Road: A5 - Follow the A5, and then head south on the A470 towards Blaenau Ffestiniog. Pass through through the town and then towards LLan Ffestiniog. As you enter the village, turn left, passing under the railway and on towards Cwm Teigl. The (steep) road eventually leads to the quarry. (16 miles, 30m) +

Filming locations still to be verified:

The Five Doctors Screen Shot
Quarry

The Five Doctors Screen Shot
Quarry Cave Entrance

The Five Doctors Screen Shot
Quarry

The Five Doctors Screen Shot
Quarry Cave

If you have photos that correspond to the shots please let us know

Other nearby locations:

Carreg Y Foel Gron (The Five Doctors). Road (6.5 miles, 15m) : Follow the road back down towards Llan Ffestiniog. When you pass under the railway bridge, turn left and cross back over the railway. Turn left onto the B4391 and follow it until you reach the B4407, then turn left into it and Carreg Y Foel-gron is just on the left.

Routes to more distant locations:

Portmeirion (The Masque of Mandragora). Road (13 miles, 17m) : Head down the road to Ffestiniog, then turn left onto the A470 and right onto the B4391. Then turn left onto the A496, and then right onto the A487 towards Porthmadog. As you reach Minffordd turn left and head down to Portmeirion.

Cwm Bychan (The Five Doctors). Road (12 miles, 29m) : Head down the road to Ffestiniog, then turn left onto the A470 and right onto the B4391. Then turn left onto the A496, and then when you reach the A487 turn right and then left back onto the A496. Follow it to Harlech, then turn left up the hill, crossing the B4573 and up until you reach a crossroads, turning left. Follow this, bearing right not long after a standing stone, and this then heads down a valley to a river. Make a sharp left and then follow the road as it head up to the lake. Parking There is a car park at the end of the lake (fee payable)

Additional locations as the crow flies:

Plas Brondanw (The Five Doctors): 7.28 miles.

Nant Ffrancon Pass (The Abominable Snowmen): 10.61 miles.

Powis Castle (Warriors Gate): 38.85 miles.

Peckforton Castle (The Time Warrior): 50.51 miles.

Granville Park (The Mark of the Rani): 64.57 miles.

Further links about the location

Rhiwbach Tramway - About Manod Quarry

BBC Wales News - 17th March: "More job losses at slate company"

McAlpine - Priliminary Results Statement for December 2006, recommending moth-balling of the quarry operation